This was our best "moral victory," and it was great to talk about the game like real football fans and not from a hopeless perspective. But this week we're going into a loud stadium with 107,000 capacity to play a Penn State team that really is determined to get back where they once were. We will need everyone back in the lineup, including Darius Latham. Also, we have to be realistic about the schedule. Iowa went in to Camp Randall and beat Wisconsin at the line of scrimmage. They will be tough. Michigan is playing old school, and look at Purdue, putting a scare into Michigan State. If Rutgers gets Leonte Caroo back, they will be a scoring threat. So while we'll be competitive in every game (provided key players are healthy), there are no two easy wins on this schedule. I think beating Penn State would be the best thing for this team at this juncture, in terms of taking pressure off and leaving us needing only one win to six.
Let's not get overconfident ...
- Thread starter IUNY
- Start date
Agree...much as I want to think this is the breakout season, I'm not so sure. I still think Coach is 1-2 yrs away. We are making ground but still can't play a complete game. It's all about experience and talent, and imo we're still a wee bit short on both. When I look ahead at our schedule I just don't see a sure two wins, and not many we'll be favored in. And if for any reason NS and/or JH don't immediately return, more wins won't come easy. My jaw is locked for whatever comes. I believe in IU FBs future, I'm just not so sure about this year. A bowl is about all we can seriously hope for, but imo its going to be a battle. Every team left to play can beat us, hopefully the reverse is also true.
Last edited:
If Sudfeld was injured at the end of the WF game and was still bothered in this game, I doubt that a reinjury will be healed by next week. I look for Zander to be the starting QB. This could be a chronic problem that will last for several games. Who knows about Howard. If they're both out for PSU, I am not optimistic about that game.
Well said. I think we will fight in every game like junk yard dogs, but talent and experience win. I like ZD but he's still a work in progress. JH is the wild card. Without him our offense is just average, with very average to poor receivers. There were five obvious drops yesterday that alone may have been the difference between winning and losing. That can't happen...but I just don't see the talent level now being good enough. Experience will help for next year but I don't think this group is ready for prime time...imo.
Short of an upset win I was thrilled with IU's performance yesterday. But I learned yesterday that IU only has two running backs - and one quarterback. A read many times the Diamont was going to redshirt. I don't know what that nonsense was from the ABC crew about Diamont gaining 30 pounds off-season. I saw the exact same guy that I saw last year. Every time he let the ball fly I had no idea which team would get their hands on the ball first.
If Sudfeld and Howard are not healthy, the defense is going to have to shutdown Penn State next weekend and allow fewer that 10 points.
If Sudfeld and Howard are not healthy, the defense is going to have to shutdown Penn State next weekend and allow fewer that 10 points.
Can't disagree with any of that. Holding a rising, talented PSU squad to 10 points is one tall order. But usually we play them well. Here's hoping...
We need DL and our 2 offensive studs back or it will be a tough game to win next Saturday. One at a time and we should be in a bowl...
Prime time what? We are 4-1 and lost to #1 by 7. 6-7 wins is not crazy talk. No one is talking national title.
Prime time...duh...is the big ten. Didn't ever once come close to saying crazy. Read more closely. We are talking scenarios. Anything is possible... Just not probable. Why did you quote something that wasn't true?
I think you guys have a great shot at beating us on Saturday. With or without Sudfeld and Howard. We will have to play a lot better against you, than we have the past few weeks, or we lose. Best of luck to you. And to anyone traveling to Happy Valley, have a great time!
I've got to say...PSU fans are some of the classiest in the country. Visit Happy Valley....great place. Here's to an injury free game for both!
Who's getting overconfident? I'm guaranteeing it isn't the staff or the players. They know that yesterday is just a game that kept them one step further away from getting to a bowl game. I'm sure they're going over the game video and seeing the mistakes that were made (dropped passes, over pursuit of gaps, missed tackles come to mind) to correct for the next game. I'm sure they know that going into Penn State is not going to be an easy task. They are well aware of the injury issues (much more so than we are as fans), and will be game-planning for the personnel who are available. I'm hopeful it will be Nate and Howard, but if it isn't, all is not lost.
This defense has been playing aggressive and getting turnovers. If they can do that against PSU, then that gives IU a chance. The defense has been keeping this team in games a lot more than perhaps they're given credit for. Let's hope they are able to shore up those few mistakes they've made and become even more solid than they have been.
This defense has been playing aggressive and getting turnovers. If they can do that against PSU, then that gives IU a chance. The defense has been keeping this team in games a lot more than perhaps they're given credit for. Let's hope they are able to shore up those few mistakes they've made and become even more solid than they have been.
Similar threads
